11 Best Powder Foundations for Oily Skin That Are Expert-approved

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Mar 06, 2024
Powder Foundations for Oily Skin That Are Expert-approved
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Applying makeup is all fun and breezy unless you have oily skin. I possess the skin type and trust me, it used to be a real task to control shine and balance the excessive sebum production. But not anymore! Months ago, I made up my mind to invest in the best powder foundations for oily skin and I am head over heels in love with them. They are my skin’s BFFs and go-to to achieve a flawless, natural-looking, smooth, and mattified makeup look. I owe it all to their splendid formulations, buildable coverage, and swoon-worthy soft finish. 

Undoubtedly, oil-free foundations are a big part of my makeup vanity, but when I want to keep things minimal and subtle, powder foundations come to my rescue. They are light in weight and the best part — they allow my skin to breathe some fresh air. But of course, they work just like the liquid ones. From concealing skin imperfections to protecting my skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, they do it all! Furthermore, they are travel-friendly, and easy to apply while I am on the go. What else can a makeup enthusiast like me ask for?

After indulging in phenomenal foundations for large pores, seek the help of powder foundations to attain a smooth, mattified, and soft finish makeup look. Believe me, they work wonders. Now without further ado, scroll down! Below I have rounded up the best powder foundations that you should think of investing in.

11 Best Powder Foundations for Oily Skin

L’Oréal Paris’s Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation is my all-time favorite for a couple of reasons. To start with, I just love its weightless texture and the natural matte finish it has to offer. In addition, it lasts straight for up to 24 hours and makes my oily skin look as fresh as possible. What’s the best part? This powder foundation for oily skin lends me full coverage and also evens out my skin tone just like the liquid ones. Last but not least, it is water-repellent, transfer-proof, and sweat-proof

Pros
  • Non-cakey
  • Available in a variety of shades
  • Cost-effective
  • Non-comedogenic
Cons
  • Overwhelming scent
  • Most Long-lasting

    Dermablend Loose Setting Powder

    Dermablend Loose Setting Powder
  • Experience shine-free perfection with Dermablend Loose Setting Powder—an essential for oily skin seeking a flawless finish. This face powder makeup and finishing powder cater to light, medium, and tan skin tones, ensuring a seamless blend for a natural look. Designed to set makeup and control excess oil, it provides a long-lasting matte effect. Elevate your beauty routine with a powder foundation that not only enhances your skin tone but also combats oiliness, leaving you with a refined, velvety complexion throughout the day.

    Pros
    • Suitable for light, medium, and tan tones
    • Face makeup and finishing powder
    • Controls excess oil
    • Long-lasting matte effect
    • Provides flawless finish
    Cons
    • May appear too matte for some users' preferences.
  • Best with SPF

    bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation

    bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation
  • Powder foundations have become my go-to whenever I am in the mood for a no-to-minimal makeup look. What comes to my rescue is this Original Loose Powder Foundation from the renowned beauty brand, bareMinerals. It is loaded with the goodness of SPF 15 and hence, I know my skin is protected and in good hands. Furthermore, it minimizes the appearance of pores and lays a blanket over my imperfections. Topping it all off, this powder makeup foundation offers a sheer-to-full coverage and a natural-looking luminous finish that I’ve always wished for.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Talc-free
    • Mineral-based pigments
    • Plenty of shades to choose from
    • Non-drying texture
    Cons
    • Little pricey
  • Most Hydrating Powder Foundation

    PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup SPF 15 Powder Foundation

    PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup SPF 15 Powder Foundation
  • Here comes yet another good powder foundation with SPF 15. The mastermind, PÜR has mindfully crafted it according to the needs of oily skin peeps like me. Trust me, I have been addicted to such mineral-based and SPF-loaded foundations for their lightweight and breathable texture. And, this one is among my top picks! It works like a concealer as well as a setting powder! It is also a fail-proof skincare-infused foundation that ticks off all the beauty boxes. Hence, I recommend investing in this all-in-one magical power to deal with your acne and oily skin-related woes better!

    Pros
    • Hydrating
    • Vegan
    • Buildable medium coverage
    • Available in plenty of shades
    Cons
    • Doesn’t come with a powder puff
  • Most Cost-effective

    COVERGIRL Clean Simply Powder Foundation

    COVERGIRL Clean Simply Powder Foundation
  • While looking for a foundation powder for oily skin that covers skin imperfections and acne marks like a liquid one but feels like powder, I came across this one from Covergirl. Since the day I started using it, I never looked back. I simply adore its non-acnegenic formula that neither clogs my pores nor irritates my skin. Plus, it is dermatologically-tested and offers a flawless finish. Let me also tell you that this powder evens out your skin tone and mattifies your oily skin.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Available in 3 more shades
    • Cost-effective
    • Travel-friendly
    Cons
    • Not talc-free
  • Best Coverage

    Maybelline Super Stay Up to 24HR Hybrid Powder Foundation

    Maybelline Super Stay Up to 24HR Hybrid Powder Foundation
  • My next favorite is Maybelline’s Super Stay Up to 24HR hybrid powder foundation. Its soft matte finish and weightless feel make me gravitate toward it almost every day. Clearly, this is the best matte powder foundation one can ever own for its top-notch hybrid technology that keeps cakey-ness and patches at bay. Besides, its medium-to-full coverage is something that left me impressed. Whenever I wish to ditch heavy foundations, this is the foundation that acts as my savior!

    Pros
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Plenty of shades to choose from
    • Water-resistant
    • Transfer-proof
    Cons
    • Fragile
  • Best Hypoallergenic

    Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation

    Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation
  • Drawing from my experiences, Mineral Fusion’s pressed powder foundation works wonders on the skin. Whenever I want to conceal my skin imperfections or acne marks, this foundation is my go-to. Based on my intensive research and findings, it is power-packed with potent ingredients like pomegranate, white tea, red tea, and sea kelp. This unique blend and natural formula is the secret behind my gorgeous makeup looks. What’s more? It is one of my makeup essentials that helps me reduce the appearance of free radical damage.

    Pros
    • Paraben-free
    • Buildable coverage
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Talc-free
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Best for Everyday Use

    Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder

    Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder
  • I am a big fan of Clinique’s Stay-Matte sheer-pressed powder because of its splendid ability to reduce excessive shine and oiliness. All credit goes to its oil-free formula and ultra-sheer coverage and texture that helps me maintain a fresh look throughout the day. Moreover, it is a mineral-enriched foundation promising sheer to moderate coverage that is just perfect for a minimalistic makeup look. So, if you have oily skin or spots, then this one is an excellent choice. All in all, it is undoubtedly a top-rated powder foundation that grabs large eyeballs!

    Pros
    • Best for everyday use
    • Lightweight
    • Available in a wide range of shades
    • Requires no touch-ups
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • Best Non-comedogenic

    e.l.f. Camo Powder Foundation

    e.l.f. Camo Powder Foundation
  • When I was tight on my budget, I splurged on e.l.f. Camo Powder Foundation. Trust me, it was the best decision I ever made. After frequent tests and trials, I consider it the best coverage powder foundation. Let me tell you why — to start with, it is not only long-lasting but also buildable. Secondly, it lends me a flawless airbrushed-like complexion. Last but not least, it is non-cakey, light in weight, and offers a natural to semi-matte finish. Having said that, this foundation, so far, has been a great addition to my everyday makeup routine.

    Pros
    • Talc-free
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Most Lightweight

    Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Powder Foundation 185

    Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Powder Foundation 185
  • For those of you who like to keep your look as light as air just like me, here is what you need to get your hands on — Fenty Beauty by Rihanna’s Pro Filt’r Powder Foundation. I started using matte powder foundation for oily skin lately and believe me, its results are phenomenal. It offers light to full coverage and a buildable formula that stays on for a prolonged period of time. All in all, it is also crease-resistant and works for all seasons.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • Soft matte finish
    • Travel-friendly
    Cons
    • No shade options to choose from
  • Best for All Skin Types

    Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-refreshing Custom Finish Powder Foundation

    Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-refreshing Custom Finish Powder Foundation
  • Lastly, I recommend Shiseido’s Synchro Skin Self-refreshing powder foundation for a shine-free glow. What I love the most about this makeup essential is its creamy formula that makes the powder last straight for up to 24 hours. In addition, hands down to the ActiveForce technology that self-refreshes my look and lends me a just-applied finish. Topping it all off, it protects my skin from pollution and enhances my skin’s overall texture and tone.

    Pros
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Plenty of shades to choose from
    • Crease-resistant
    Cons
    • Expensive

    That was my comprehensive list of the best powder foundations for oily skin. Now, let me run you through a detailed buying guide.

    How to Choose the Best Powder Foundation for Oily Skin?

    Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best powder foundation for oily skin - 

    Skin Type: Make sure you pick a powder foundation that suits your skin. Do not invest in a foundation that is not meant for your skin type or concern. For those who are dealing with oily and acne-prone skin, I recommend bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation for its astounding shine-free finish, mineral-based formula, and pore-minimizing abilities that suit oily skin the best. Likewise, for those with sensitive skin, invest in a foundation that is gentle and non-comedogenic. 

    Ingredients: Pay heed to the list of ingredients mentioned on the packaging of the best powder foundation for oily skin that you are planning to purchase. It is wise to invest in one that comes with mineral-based pigments and hydrating ingredients like shea butter, white tea, red tea, and sea kelp just like my favorite Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation. Avoid purchasing powders that contain talc, paraben, sulfate, gluten, or any kind of harsh chemicals. 

    Formula: If you ask me, my experience with hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and non-acnegenic powder foundations is pretty satisfying. Such foundations are safe, perfect match for oily skin, and ideal for everyday use. Hence, always check the powder formula for desirable results.

    Finish: Check the finish type of the foundation that you are splurging on. Honestly, for anyone who is dealing with excessively oily skin, the key solution is to vouch for a powder foundation with a matte finish promising natural coverage. It not only absorbs oil but also makes my skin look more natural and less shiny. 

    After taking note of the above-mentioned aspects, let me walk you through a few steps of using the foundation in the right manner.

    How to Use Powder Foundations for Oily Skin?

    Below are a few tips for using the foundation powder accurately - 

    1. Make sure you cleanse your face and complete your C-T-M routine. 
    2. Apply a moisturizer before kickstarting your makeup routine. 
    3. Begin applying your powder foundation with the help of a makeup brush or sponge.
    4. Use all powder-based products on it like powdered blush, bronzer, highlighter, etc., or else it will move the applied powder around and spoil your look.
    5. Make sure you do not apply too much powder foundation under your eyes or areas where you have fine lines. This may cause creases and make your lines more prominent. 
    6. Spray a setting spray, if needed.

    Tada, you are done!

    Conclusion

    That was all about the best powder foundations for oily skin that you should think of snagging right away. These foundations are my go-to whenever I wish to ace minimalistic makeup looks. Furthermore, their formulas, textures, and finishes are something that make me gravitate toward them almost every day. Hence, I have decided to stick to them for a while and give a break to my liquid foundations. After all, powder foundations do have the potential to fulfill my makeup needs just like the liquid ones. Then, why go for something heavy when you have the option to keep things light and breathable? Believe me, my skin feels so smooth and mattified that I am rarely going to complain or regret my decision. You too can populate your vanity with some of the best full-coverage powder foundations and I bet you will ditch liquids forever! Happy shopping!

    FAQ's

    Is powder foundation best for oily skin?
    Yes, powder foundation is the best for oily skin as it absorbs excess oil and helps in controlling shine.
    Which is the best foundation powder for makeup?
    L’Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation Powder is the best for your skin as it is light in weight, transfer-proof, and water-repellent.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our certified makeup and beauty expert, Sayantani, is a big fan of powder foundations for oily skin. She believes that they are the key solutions to balance excessive oil production and control shine. After hours of research and plenty of tests and trials, she has curated a few of her favorites for you. So, do pen down her tips to pick the best of the best foundation for yourself. Personally, she loves L’Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation that has an alluring formula, texture, and finish. Plus, it is completely safe, non-irritating, and perfect for everyday use. So, roll your eyes over her top picks and incorporate the most suitable one into your makeup regime. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More